Emily Elizabeth Rivera

Each one of Emily's visits were memorable. Her smile, her personality, her manners, her beautiful style... I could go on and on. After seeing Mathew and Emily for years for braces it was impossible to not feel like part of the Rivera Family. We feel blessed by their friendship and so sad for their loss. There is not one other patient whose loss could be felt more deeply. I know that somewhere up in heaven Emily is singing beautifully to her family and friends and showing off perfectly straight teeth. God enfold us all in His tender and loving arms as we deal Emily's absence. My love and prayers . GretelPosted by: Gretel Gallagher - Carson`, CA - manager at dental office   Feb 21, 2014

Emily was like my a little sister that I've always wanted, since the day I met her i knew that she would be the friend that i can tell all my secrets to. I knew that I could count on her when I needed her the most. She always brought happiness to my sad days, although I dearly wish that this is all a dream, I'm really happy she's in a better place, she was like my little angel she still is. She was just so amazing to be around I don't know what I'm going to do with out her. I know that she was an actual angel from heaven and that she is singing her heart out and watching over us. I am so sorry for your loss, if there is anything you guys need, just let me know. I am Arianna Corralejo I go to MSSE and I am in the 8th grade.Posted by: Arianna Corralejo - San Pedro , CA - Best Friend    Feb 20, 2014

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Emily's death. I am here to support you in your grieving process.With sincere sympathy,StevePosted by: Steve Hawrylack - San Pedro, CA - Friand   Feb 20, 2014

Jose, Judith and Matthew, You have our deepest sympathy in this trying time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing Emily with us. She was so kind to Kaleb-calling for him out on the playground and waving to him while she sang during mass. We will never forget her. Matthew, she will always be your special angel that will guide you through life and never leave your side. With all our love, 
Scott, Mary, Riley, Noah, Kaleb & Shea SeidmanPosted by: Mary Seidman - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - friend   Feb 19, 2014

My Dearest Judith,Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about "Emily's" death. I'm here to support you in your grieving process. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. With deepest sympathy 
Miriam VillanuevaPosted by: miriam villanueva - pico rivera, CA - friend   Feb 18, 2014

My Emily, My love, 
The one I adore, 
I love her so much more, 
Someone to play with, 
Someone to cheer up, 
I seen her grow into a beautiful, charming girl, 
She makes me happy, 
She makes me smile, 
Its so hard, to let her go, 
Even though its for a short time, 
I count the days till' I see her again, 
My love, My Emily, 
The one I adore!Posted by: Tita - Wilmington, CA - Aunt   Feb 18, 2014

Emily Aunque ya no te encuentres con nosotros tu recuerdo Angelical siempre estara en nuestro corazon! Love you always!!!Posted by: Tia Lupe - Taltenango - Aunt   Feb 17, 2014

I am so sorry for your loss. Emily was a joy. She was always cheerful, helpful and very smart. I enjoyed having her in class every time I was given the opportunity to teach.I will miss her dearly. My girls sang with her in the choir. It was always a privilege to hear her sing. I attended the Christmas event at the fountain and the MSES Christmas program and was delighted to hear Emily sing The Gringe Theme Song at both events.There simply are not words to describe the depth of sympathy our family feels for you at this time. You are in our prayers.Posted by: Lisa Vanderpoorten - San Pedro, CA - Substitute Teacher   Feb 16, 2014

Dear The Rivera Family,
Thank you for sharing your amazing daughter. She was my best friend and she was the most understanding, caring, and funniest person I knew. There was never a dull moment with her. She made me laugh when i was sad. Emily taught me to always smile. Emily was like my sister and she was the best friend that I could ever ask for and i thank you for sharing her with me.

My heart go's out to you and your entire family. I can't imagine the loss that you must feel.Posted by: Scott Emory - Riverside, CA - Friend   Feb 15, 2014

You have my deepest condolences and prayers for your loss.Posted by: Joshua Valdez - La Palma, CA - Friend   Feb 14, 2014

Emily te queremos mucho y simpre era hermoso verte tan feliz y sonrriente. Judith, José, y Matthew; Dios les dé fortalezaPosted by: Imelda Sarabia    Feb 14, 2014

When God calls little children 
to dwell with Him above, 
we mortals sometime question 
the wisdom of His love. 
For no heartache compares with 
the death of one small child 
who does so much to make our world, 
seem wonderful and mild. 
Perhaps God tires of calling 
the aged to his fold, 
So He picks a rosebud, 
before it can grow old. 
God knows how much we need them, 
and so He takes but a few 
to make the land of Heaven 
more beautiful to view. 
Believing this is difficult 
still somehow we must try, 
the saddest word mankind knows 
will always be "Goodbye." 
So when a little child departs, 
we who are left behind 
must realize God loves children, 
Angels are hard to find. 
(unknown author)Emily, we will miss your angelic voice, sweet smile, sassiness and your witty one liners - but the memory of you will be etched in our hearts forever....Thank you for letting us be a part of your beautiful lifeAll our love, 
The Vara FamilyPosted by: Amber Vara    Feb 14, 2014

Will forever remember your laugh!
Changita
-love Tio Eli

My dearest Emily may you rest in Peace and sing among all the Angels in Heaven. You will be missed very much. I Loved when you came to the Milk Room & Lunch Room and attended the Art to Grow on Classes we taught at the school. You smile was so beautiful and your laughter was amazing. you lit up the school grounds with your beautiful face and smile. We love you & miss you very much.
Sincerely, Grant Smith's Mom........Jackie SmithPosted by: Jackie Smith - San Pedro, CA - Mother of Student @ MSSE   Feb 12, 2014

What a pleasure it was to have known Emily even though I've only spoken to her just a few times here and there. She was polite, kind, and such a sweet little girl which her smile lit up a room. She was a reflection of her loving parents. Posted by: Patricia Martinez - Downey, CA - friend   Feb 12, 2014

 I look at the dental chair and think of you, I look at the waiting room and think of you, I look at the empty desk and chair and think of you doing your homework next to me, or making colorful notes with my pens and stickers, I look at the toy box and think of you with the funny glasses trying to make me laugh. Everything in this office reminds me of you, your beautiful face and that amazing lil person I waited for to come at the end of the day hoping she had been wearing her retainers the right way!!!! I know you are laughing at me for this now and trying to make all of us smile as we think of you. Thank you for touching my life the way you did <3>Posted by: THANIA - CA - friend   Feb 12, 2014

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Emily. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Sandy Halabe and Gabriel Alcoset.Posted by: Gabriel - San Pedro, CA - Friend    Feb 12, 2014

You were such a cool person and your personality was so contagious. Any time I was around you I had a smile on my face. You had so much talent and you never bragged about it, but when you were asked you definitely shared it. Going around the school knowing that you are only there in spirit will be hard, but we will get through it because we know that you are still with us and that you are watching over us. You will be missed greatly by the entire Mary Star family.Posted by: Elizabeth Noel - San Pedro, CA - Friends   Feb 12, 2014

Our hearts and prayers go out to you. May you take comfort in the many lives Emily touched with her sweet voice and kind heart. Posted by: Jackie and Mercedes Cruz Gettys - San Pedro, CA - MSES family   Feb 12, 2014

Emily was a beautiful and gentle girl. I will always remember her laughter and smile. My prayers are with the Rivera family during this difficult time. Emily is definitely an Angel and will never be forgottenPosted by: Lizeth Vasquez    Feb 12, 2014

Rivera Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your precious and beautiful daughter Emily. She was a girl full of energy, laughter, happiness and was very talented. We had the pleasure of coaching her in volleyball and had great memories. She was the silly girl who always made the team laugh. May God bless Emily and your family in this time of sorrow. The Boccanfuso Family,
Gio, Liz, Francesca and Giovanni Posted by: The Boccanfuso Family - Lomita, CA - Friends/Volleyball Coach   Feb 12, 2014

For Emily and the Rivera Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in this very sad and difficult time. As parents, Melissa and I grieve for the loss of your child, we will you the strength to see yourselves through this darkest hour in parenthood. As children, Ava and Jack continually offer Emily's name in our conversations, using their youthful, innocent abilities to pass their love and memories, however limited, forward to you. As siblings, being a brother or sister, is a special bond unlike any other. To Matthew, I offer my personal empathy to you. I have been where you are now, losing a sibling shakes your emotional balance. A hole has been torn in your sense of self, but please know, it is your own loving memories and private talks with her, that will begin to fill that void. As a teacher, I have sadly been in this position before, to be made aware of the loss of a student, but the shock of one so young, so bright, never eases with repetition. Emily's bright smile and beautiful voice are just a part of her whole, but I will always remember her best in that light.
God Bless you all.
The Cordero FamilyPosted by: James Cordero & Family - San Pedro, CA - MSSE family and former teacher   Feb 12, 2014

Matthew and Family: I can't imagine the sadness you must be feeling from your loss. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you.Posted by: Andre Suarez and Family - Harbor city, CA - friend    Feb 13, 2014

Emily, I can still hear you laugh little one.
The way you carried yourself, with such spirit and happiness.. You're smile was always so contagious.
I remember a few years ago, when I attended Mary Star, you and I would always hug in the mornings.
I remember there was a particular time, that I arrived at school feeling a bit low.
You, I have no idea how you did it, but you were always giggling, always smiling.
You came over to me, hugged me and said, You look beautiful kimmy.
I haven't forgotten that.
You taught me something Emm.
Taught me to smile on the gloomiest days. Taught me to laugh, with out reason.
People compliment me, frequently, on how i always seem to be laughing and smiling. And each time they do, i remember you.
I regret so much not keeping in touch.
And my tears have paid for that..
I wished i could have spoken more with you over the years that we lost touch.
I saw you a few times at church while we altar served.. you never failed to smile, or hug me right after mass.
I will always cherish that smile, and sweet way of yours Emily.
I promised to be strong, to not be regretful.. but rather thank God, I too, was blessed to have met you.
You will forever be missed little one.
I love you..<3>
P.S My most sincere condolences to the Rivera family..
Take care Matt. I miss you. Posted by: Kimberly Jasmine Talavera - Carson, CA - Friend   Feb 13, 2014

To Mr. & Mrs. Rivera, Matthew & family . I'm sorry for your loss and I hope you can find comfort in knowing how precious Emily was to many of us. 
I'm personally grateful to have been her teacher & shared so many special moments with Emily. Many times we had conversations, shed tears, had silly moments, singing moments & quite often happy moments filled with smiles. I expressed to Emily how proud I was of her courage, determination, talents & love for life. She thanked me for being there for her . But I'm most thankful to her for being a part of my life and teaching me so many things. Emily will always be in my memories & in my heart. 
With much Love, 
Mrs. D'Amato Posted by: Mrs. Bernadette D'Amato    Feb 13, 2014

 You will always be my sister... I love you Emily.
Posted by: Lacey Vara - San Pedro - friend   Feb 13, 2014

Dear Rivera Family,
We know no words can describe the loss you are feeling right now. Despite our grieving we take solace in the fact that Emily is still with us. We remembered how Emily always brought a balloon for us on our birthday. So, in honor of that, we brought one to put by her desk. The pink balloon was triple knotted to a string which was triple knotted to a weight. After arriving at school with balloon in hand, we could not help but think of Emily. Suddenly, a fellow class mate reached over, pointed up to the sky and said "Look." So, naturally, we did. What we saw filled us with delight. Our balloon was floating away as if it had been untied from its string and taken by Emily herself. We like to believe that she saw the balloon and just had to have it. Emily is still watching us from heaven, holding her pink balloon.
Love, Megan and Kelsey Kavanaugh 7th GradePosted by: Megan and Kelsey Kavanaugh - Rancho Palos Verdes, CA - Friend   Feb 13, 2014

Dear Rivera family,
Words can nowhere near explain how sorry I am for your/our loss of Emily. I am so lucky to have been able to see Emily grow and mature into such a sweet, loving, and beautiful little girl. Emily had such an amazing personality which made it so much fun to have her as a student. There was never a dull moment in our fourth grade classroom and Emily was a HUGE part of that. I will forever cherish all the memories I have with Emily.
Love,
Ms. GrodenPosted by: Mrs. Kate Sannes (Ms. Groden) - Lake Elsinore, CA - Teacher   Feb 13, 2014

Siempre te estaremos extrañando. Posted by: Marcos Serrano - Tlaltenango, Zacatecas. - Tío.   Feb 13, 2014

Mi sobrina hermosa, sabes que no has ensenado tanto con tu partida. A mi personalmente a disfrutar mas de la familia y los momentos. Sabes que hasta despues de tu partida estoy conociendo tantas cosas maravillosas de ti, tanta gente que te quiere. Y como no te van a querer sin con tu sonrisa hermosa conquistabas a todos, tu forma de ser tan social, tan buena prima, tan simpatica, el tiempo que convive contigo no te recuerdo con cara enojada si no estabas sobriendo estabas con una carita llena de simpatia y como de cuestionando algun comentario o situacion. Siempre que te veia me saludabas con una simpatia de una nina adorable, educada, sencible. Te cuento que me ha efectado mucho tu partida como a muuchos claro, y a la vez quiero pensar que tu venistes hacer todo lo que quisistes y lo cumplistes pienso que te fuistes satisfecha para empezar otra etapa. Tengo el video que estas cantando the prayer, no me canso de escucharlo y de presumirte, Amaya tambien el otro dia le presumio a su maestra el video de ti. Bueno chiquita hermosa t quiero y te tendre en mi corazon por siempre, princesa de todas las de Disney ;). Te recuerdo mas cuando fuistes la bella. Emily nuestro angelito cuidanos y estoy feliz que estas en el coro Celestial. Judith y Jose los admiro mucho no puedo imaginar su dolor al igual de Mateo. Son un gran familia y lo unico que Emily cambio de residencia.Posted by: Mary-Cu Y Amaya Magallanes    Feb 13, 2014

I can count the times we met, but I felt an incredible connection with Emily from the first time I met her, she was an amazing cousin to our daughter. Gracie loved Emily and always said "I love Emily, I wish she was my big sister". She was patinet, silly, smart, responsible, respectful, talented and so much more.
Emily was a truly kind soul , we are lucky to have known her, I will miss her and think of her with so much love, forever.
Araceli, Gerardo and Gracie Magallanes

IS true, I had a chance to see her couple times, and I say, that she was and is an ANGEL.
I Pray every day for her Family to be strong.
Good Bless the "Rivera Family"Posted by: Edy Fernando Jimenez and Family - Wilmington ca, CA - Friend   Feb 13, 2014

Just remembering you as always - mama letty

Mi querida Milly,
Mijita, en este dia de tu cumpleaños te recuerdo y te digo nuevamente gracias por todo lo que nos diste a mi familia y a mi. Gracias por tu amor y por tantos recuerdos y vivencias con mi hija que te quiere mucho.
Emily, siempre te recordamos con mucho cariño. Gracias por dejar grabada tu linda voz y el regalo de tus canciones nena hermosa.
Se que celebras con alegria junto con los angeles y con Dios este dia importante y te digo desde acá Feliz Cumpleaños Milly!
Te quiero,
(tia) Denise

Querida Judith y familia,
Mil disculpas por no haberlos acompañado en ese momento. Saben que los aprecio mucho y los quiero y que mis oraciones están con ustedes desde que supe. Dios los bendiga y los ayude a fortalecerse.
Espero verte pronto y darte un abrazo.
Sinceramente,
Ofelia Martinez (amiga de Denise)

are family love emily she was like a friend in never had but we all miss her but god wanted her for her voice to sing with god her family is sow sad to miss a wonder full kid like emily was a wonderful singer to god god take cake of this wonderful girl that is in are heats and take good love of her wonder full voice that she has we all love you emily

emily we love you because you were port of are family take care of this wonderful darling that you have with you we all love her because she is are wonderful angel in are heats

Hearing your beautiful voice brings so much peace to my heart. I know you're with us, little angel. I feel you beside me every moment of the day... like you said in your song, guide us all with your grace... take us to a better place. We love you baby girl, please keep us all strong.

Hi Emily,

This is your "Tio Rick". I remember you always saying "Hi, Tio Rick" and that made me feel good even though technically I was not your "Tio". I want you to know that I was so fortunate to know you and want to thank you for all the smiles, laughs, and giggles. Thanks for all the happy moments and for being my Daughter Kiana's best friend.

I want you to know that I admired you so much. The reason that I admired you is not only because you were such a nice, fun, and up-beat person but also because you were so talented. I admired how you had no fear of performing. I remember the first time I saw you perform. We went to see you dance "Ballet Folklorico" and I remember when you came up to us and said "Hi". You looked really pretty and professional with your make-up and dress. You were not worried or nervous at all. I remember you performed with your dance group but I was really amazed when you did your solo dance parts. You were so confident. I remember thinking to myself, "she is fearless and is she is having so much fun performing. I wish could perform like you when I played music". Another time I saw you perform was at the Christmas show in San Pedro. I remember seeing you sing with your choir group and thought that was really cool but when I saw you go solo and sing "Mr. Grinch" I thought that was awesome!!! Again I saw you so confident and just having fun that I wished I knew your secret for performing so that I could be more like you. I think you just had natural talent, passion, and desire to be the best and have fun.

I really wish I would have had to the opportunity to have recorded some live songs with you in my home studio. Unfortunately, we did not have this opportunity. We are definitely going to miss you, your talents, and your angelical voice.

May God take care of you and your family.

Sincerely,

Ricardo Sarabia

I could close my eyes and see your babyface, back when i met you 11yrs ago you were just 1 and adorable. Sweetheart we have no explanation on why God decided to take you so soon but we do know the time you were here it was to bless and bring joy to many of us. You've earned your angel wings and now you rest in the arms of our Lord and Saviour, you are in paradise. God bless those of us who are still here and one day sweetheart we will see your angelical face again.... Mean while watch over mom, dad and your brother bring shine to their lives and be that guardian angel to them you've been assigned to be.

You will be missed and never forgotten. God bless you beautiful and we will see you again, that's a promise God has made us who beleive in Him.

Judith, Jose and Matthew may God strengthen you and give you peace to know that He (our Lord and Saviour) has your baby girl in the most amazing, wonderful and beautiful place ever.

Erika Cardenas

Emily, siempre te recuerdo con una sonrisa Hermosa, como toda Tu.. Hermosa.

Rivera Family,
We are so sorry and sad to hear about the loss of our beloved Emily. She will forever live in our hearts as a joyous, talented, outgoing, and beautiful girl. We will always remember the family parties together and all the wonderful moments we shared. She was the life of the party and Irma loved dancing with her because she danced so well. We would always come back from those parties and Emily was always the one we'd be talking about like how pretty she looked, the clothes she wore, how well she danced, and how she would get all her cousins, aunts, uncles to dance. She was amazing!!!

Also, we were not aware Emily was such a great singer. Sorry but nobody told us. When we heard her sing, especially the songs she was singing, we were totally shocked. The passion and the emotion she sang with was just incredible to hear!!! She was not just any ordinary singer; she was a super star, our American Idol. Everytime we look up into the dark night, we will always look to find the sparkling lighted star and think of our beautiful Emily who left with such wonderful memories.

Our prayers are with your family and hope God will give you strength and healing during this time.

With Love,

Carlos, Irma, Christian Sarabia

Dear Rivera family,
We will miss you forever Emily. As long as we know you are in gods hands.we love you! ????????????????

Dear Rivera family,
We will miss Emily so much and her laughter. But now that she is in gods hands there is nothing to worry about. You will be In our hearts forever Emily.????????

Mi mas sentido pesame a mi Amiga Judith deseo Que encuentres Paz en tu Corazon ante esta gran perdida dios la llamo a estar asu lado y sera tu angel por siempre bye beautiful angel Emily.. ...UN abrazo muy Grande de mi parte Judith y dios te bendiga....

Emily Hermosa aunque ya no te encuentres con nosotros tu recuerdo siempre seguira en nuestro corazon.

Dear Rivera family,
Emily is the only person I knew that made me pee my pants and always smile. We have to ask her to protect us and fill us up with strength. Emily is Gods newest,loudest,funniest,and many more angle. We all love her greatly and Emily live in our hearts forever. I love her so much and thank you for giving me the opportunity to met your amazing daughter.??

Dear Emily,
I want to thank you for giving me the best experiences throughout my life. I loved when we used to go shopping together and bought lots of Barbie clothes for my dolls. I also loved hearing your hilarious jokes, and just to talk about our daily activities at school. I remember when we always used to be together at parties and how we would be in my room laughing and talking about so many things that happened in our lives.

You inspired me to be more outgoing and brave. I saw how you did not worry much. You always kept on doing what you enjoy doing. You are one of the best people I have met in my life. I will miss you, but I know that you are in a much better place. I feel you are watching over me with that smile you always had on your face. I have never seen you with a sad face; and that is one thing I love about you. You know you are my BFF .
You are a very talented girl. You have a beautiful and amazing voice and are not afraid to share it with others. You also have a talent with kids, I could never do that. You used to play and dance with them all the time.

My favorite experience with you was when we went on vacation. It was midnight, and we decided to jump into the pool. We were splashing water all over the place, laughing and having a great time. You are the best cousin and friend ever!
We had totally different attitudes, personalities but yet; we got along so well.
I love you so much and I can't wait one day to see you there with our Lord.
I want to tell my ninos and Matthew, that I love them so much and that you are the strongest people I have ever met. I know you miss her, but one day we will all be together again sharing eternal life.

Love,
your cousin/Goddaughter
Kiana Sarabia

My dear Amiga: there is no words that can express how we feel in moments like this. I wish I was closer so I could run to u when u need me, but believe u and your family are always in our prayers. I know Emily is in a better place at peace, she will always be with us in our hears. She will always be watching u from above. Lots of love and our deepest sympathies.

Dear Emily,
You were the best cousin ever. We shared many wonderful memories together. You had the best smile and the most beautiful voice. Whenever my frown was upside down you cheered me up with just a smile and positive words. I know your not here right beside me, but I can still feel your warm presence. I love you, I miss you, and I will never forget you! I am missing you right now but, why am I sad when my cousin is in HEAVEN!! That is the most beautiful place you could ever think of. She's in the kingdom of GOD! Right now, I can probably tell you that she's dancing with the angels or singing with them or doing both. I miss you with all my heart!!I love YOU!!!!

Mi preciosa Milly,
Quiero decirte que eres una persona inolvidable y única. Un regalo de Dios. Cierro mis ojos y te veo asi como eres mijita; feliz, contenta, gozando todos los momentos por mas pequeños que fueran y siempre irradiando alegria con tu preciosa sonrrisa tan sincera, hermosa, y natural. Una niña linda y talentosa. Milly Siempre admire tu hermosa voz angelical y como nos enseñaste muchas cosas; como ser feliz, positivos y disfrutando siempre el darle a los demás. Gracias por compartir con nosotros chiquita hermosa y por darle cariño, amistad, concejos y compañia a mi Kia. We love you so much Millly. Matthew, we are here for you, we love you and you can always count on us. Compadres, pido a Dios les bendiga y les dé toda la fortaleza que necesitan en este momento. Gracias por darnos ese regalo precioso de haber conocido a su hija. Los quiero mucho y estamos con ustedes para lo que se les ofrezca. Un fuerte abrazo.
Sinceramente,
Ricardo, Denise, Eros, Erik, and Kiana Sarabia

My deepest condolences on your loss. There is nothing more precious than a child that's why she will always be in our hearts and minds. You can be sure that all those beautiful memories will worm the hearts and put smiles on the faces of ones who had the honor and pleasure of meeting such wonderful child.
Our prayers are with you.

Dear little Emily,

I will never forget the day I met you. You and your mom came to my place and I thought "what a cute girl". When you started singing I was just amazed, your voice sounded so beautiful, strong and it just blew me away. My husband Markus who was in the other room and didn´t see at first couldn´t believe that a little girl could sing like that, it wasn´t until he met you that he believed it.

Every time I saw you, you had a smile on your face and I was enjoying the joy you were bringing to me and the happy atmosphere your aura created.
Sometimes I was thinking, if I ever have a daughter she should be somehow like you.

We both share the same passion, music and singing and while you are singing now in heaven with the angels I hope you are looking down to us from time to time.
Too early have you left but we will see each other again.

Markus and I carry memories of you with us and there will always be a place for you in our hearts.

With love,
Radina & Markus